Jim & Melonie Barber Bring “Jim Barber & Friends” to Apache Junction, Arizona

After an exciting couple of months entertaining RV resort crowds across the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Central Florida, beloved ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber, joined by his wife and musical partner Melonie Barber, is heading west for a pair of special performances at Apache Junction, Arizona this February 2026.

The Barbers are known for their lively, family-friendly comedy show, Jim Barber & Friends, a unique blend of sharp humor, inventive ventriloquism, toe-tapping music, and audience interaction. Jim’s act has garnered acclaim everywhere from RV resort stages to larger nationwide venues — and has been featured on tour stops throughout the winter season. Audiences of all ages enjoy his original characters, vocal variety, impressions, and warm stage presence.

Countryside RV Resort – Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (7 PM)

The Arizona tour kicks off in Apache Junction with an evening performance at Countryside RV Resort, a welcoming RV community nestled near the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. This age-qualified 55+ resort offers scenic desert views, a clubhouse with activities, shuffleboard, hot tub and pool facilities, and opportunities for social events and get-togethers — the perfect backdrop for an evening of laughter and live entertainment.

Shiprock RV Resort – Sunday, February 22, 2026 (1 PM)

A few days later, Jim and Melonie make the short drive to Shiprock RV Resort for an afternoon show. Also located in Apache Junction, Shiprock is a vibrant 55+ community featuring resort-style amenities such as a recreation hall with a stage, swimming pool and spa, fitness and game areas, and social activities — making it an ideal setting for residents to enjoy a fun, engaging live performance.

These two Arizona dates offer RV resort guests a chance to enjoy Jim Barber’s celebrated blend of comedy, music, and ventriloquism — all presented with his signature charm and storytelling. After these performances, the Barbers will return to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas for a additional nine resort appearances before making their way back to Branson, Missouri.

Back to Branson for the “Comedy Bash”

Jim and Melonie travel in their fully-restored diesel motorcoach affectionately known as The Barber Bus, producing their own YouTube Channel, as well as Jim’s Branson based radio show called The Barber Shop (Weekdays from 9am-1pm Central – Branson4u.com) while bringing their stage show to communities across the country. Following the Arizona and RGV resort dates, they’ll settle back into Branson for several weeks of performances in The Branson Comedy Bash Dinner Show starting April 1st — part of The Shepherd of the Hills Attraction. This high-energy dinner theatre event mixes comedy, music, and variety to keep Branson audiences smiling throughout the season.

From warm winter stops in Texas and Florida to desert sunsets in Arizona, Jim and Melonie Barber continue to bring joy, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment to RV Resort communities and theatre audiences across the country. Don’t miss their Arizona performances — two shows that promise fun, musical surprises, and a whole lot of heart.

Jim Barber Takes “The Barber Shop” On The Road — November 3 Launches Cross-Country Tour from Branson

October 29, 2025 – Branson, Missouri

Longtime Branson entertainer, ventriloquist and radio personality Jim Barber is launching a bold new chapter: beginning Monday, November 3, 2025, his weekday radio show, The Barber Shop (weekdays 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Central on 98.1 FM in Branson and streaming online at Branson4u.com) will be taken “on the road” aboard a 44-foot diesel motorhome, dubbed the “Barber Bus.”

Jim and his wife, Melonie, will travel the country, producing the show from their fully restored 1993 Newell Coach at a variety of locations including RV resorts, theatres, churches and other venues, while simultaneously presenting Jim’s award-winning comedy production, Jim Barber & Friends. Melonie adds her special blend of vocal music and on occasion, her well known “Harmony Trio” will also join the performance schedule with special guests Babette Fogle and Aloha Post. Their mission: bring the Branson-style variety entertainment experience to new audiences across the nation — and spotlight Branson as a must-see destination for those audiences.

The couple consider themselves deeply blessed to be part of a beautifully blended family, a journey born out of both heartache and hope. A little over a decade ago, Jim faced the profound loss of being widowed, while Melonie navigated the challenges of divorce. “When our paths crossed and we married during the pandemic of 2020, our lives – and hearts – expanded in ways we never could have imagined,” said Jim. Joining Jim’s daughter with Melonie’s eight children formed an extended family of eleven members. “Now, as grateful empty-nesters, we look back with wonder at how God’s blessings and love can heal, rebuild, and create something entirely new,” added Melonie. “We look forward with excitement to the fresh possibilities this next season of life holds for us!”

Road-show format & live entertainment

Starting Monday, November 3rd, “The Barber Shop” will be produced from the Barber Bus at select locations each week. While the radio show airs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central, Jim and Melonie will then present a live evening show, “Jim Barber & Friends,” in regional theatres, RV resort venues or church-campus settings. Their first stop will be at the famed “Magic Attic Theatre” in Tulsa, Oklahoma for three shows on November 7-8. From there they will head to engagements in South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Indiana and Kentucky. They currently have show bookings extending into 2027, but plan to include some 2026 Branson dates in the mix.

If that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, the couple have also created a new YouTube Channel to promote their RV adventures, and invite everyone to subscribe to watch “The Barber Bus” at https://www.youtube.com/@TheBarberBus online.

The coupling of multimedia broadcast and live performance creates a unique experience: local audiences get a behind-the-scenes look at the show, and the online streaming capability of the Ozarks Dynacom family of radio stations plus the couple’s YouTube Channel, introduces Branson’s entertainment brand to untapped markets.

Listeners and fans everywhere can still tune in to the radio show via the free Branson4U app (available at the Apple Store, Google Play and Amazon Alexa) or stream online at Branson4u.com. While on the road, the show will invite fans from the host city to come out in person for the evening comedy/ventriloquism show, and will use the broadcast to promote the host city venue, the Barber Bus tour stop and Branson as the entertainment hub.

Stay connected on the go by downloading the free Branson4u mobile app, available for all major devices. No matter where Jim goes, you can go with him.

Why Branson matters — and why this tour matters

Jim’s deep roots in Branson provide the foundation for this venture. Since arriving in Branson in 1994, Jim has shared the stage with top Branson-area stars including Glen Campbell, Eddie Rabbitt, The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, and many others, including a 10 year run with the Hamner Barber Variety Show.  Currently he appears as the featured comedian/impressionist in the Yakov Smirnoff Variety Show in Branson.

Beyond the stage, Jim has served in leadership roles in the Branson arts community. From April 2017 through September 2024 he was Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, guiding the acquisition and restoration of the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson — providing a dedicated home for community theatre and youth arts education.

With this track record, Jim brings more than just a show — he brings decades of entertainment, multimedia and marketing experience to this tour initiative.

What the Barber Bus means

Jim and Melonie’s purchase of the 44-foot diesel motorhome (the “Barber Bus”) marks a major step in making their vision mobile. The bus allows them to travel efficiently from market to market, integrate with RV resorts and theatre venues, and set up a “pop-up” Branson-style experience wherever they go nationwide.

This fully-mobile format will help the Barber brand reach new audiences who may not yet know Branson’s entertainment scene, while simultaneously promoting the Branson destination — a win-win for Jim’s show, the venues visited, and the Branson tourism brand.

Invitation to partners and audiences

Jim and Melonie invite RV resorts, theatres and other venues across the United States to contact them about hosting their live comedy show at or near your location. They are also excited to share their testimony with church groups and marriage encounter events through music, comedy and a positive message of Faith with their “Blessed to be Blended” presentations. By hosting the event, venues gain live radio exposure, national stream-reach, plus a family friendly live comedy/ventriloquism/music show that appeals to a wide demographic.

They also invite radio show sponsors interested in participating in the campaign to contact Ozarks Dynacom for more information. Listeners everywhere can tune in to The Barber Shop, follow the tour, and download the Branson4U app to hear the show live — even when the Barber Bus is broadcasting on the road.

About Jim Barber

Jim Barber is an internationally touring ventriloquist, comedian, impressionist and entertainer whose signature act features his characters Barber and Seville (in which Jim’s head appears on the dummy’s body) along with Chico Pete, Cozy Blanquette, the Baby and impromptu audience participation.  He has performed on network television (including the Late Show with David Letterman), comedy clubs, cruise ships, USO engagements, corporate events and more than 2,000 college and university venues.

In Branson, he has appeared in major shows since 1994, working alongside top artists and sustaining a longtime presence in the city’s “live music capital” ecosystem. As a proud board member of the Ozark Mountain Legacy organization, he recently stepped in as the new host of their television series “Living Legacies of the Ozarks” on The Vacation Channel which is also available on YouTube.

Jim holds a BA in Broadcasting/Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota and an Associate’s Degree in Multimedia Development from the Art Institute of Philadelphia; he has developed multimedia production and marketing campaigns for many Branson-area businesses and tourism entities.

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Contact

For media inquiries or to host a tour stop:

• Radio Show Email: jimbarber@ozarksdynacom.com
• Barber Shop Radio Show: Branson4u.com and OzarksDynacom.com
• Comedy Show Email: jim@barberbiz.com
• Website & Performance Schedule: JimBarber.com
• The Barber Bus Podcast Info: BarberBus.org
• The Barber Bus Youtube Channel: youtube.com/@TheBarberBus

Jim Barber Takes “The Barber Shop” Radio Show On the Road June 23–30, 2025

Get ready, Branson—and beyond! Beloved entertainer and radio personality Jim Barber is taking radio show, The Barber Shop, on the road from June 23 – 30, 2025 for a special mobile edition that promises surprises, guest visits, and plenty of laughs.

Broadcasting weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central, Jim will be hosting the show from various mystery locations, revealed only as the week unfolds. Whether he’s rolling down the highway or popping up at iconic attractions, listeners can tune in locally at 98.1 FM in Branson, Missouri—or listen from anywhere in the world via Branson4u.com.

Fans can also stay connected on the go by downloading the free Branson4u mobile app, available for all major devices. No matter where Jim goes, you can go with him.

About “The Barber Shop”

Known for his quick wit and deep roots in entertainment, Jim Barber’s show blends music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s with lively conversation, comedy, and heartfelt commentary. Now in his fifth year on the air, Jim has become a cherished voice on Branson4u Radio, where his unique style keeps listeners coming back day after day.

About Jim Barber

Jim Barber is no stranger to show business. A celebrated comedian and ventriloquist, Jim has performed alongside legendary acts and wowed audiences around the world. His inventive comedy act “Jim Barber and Seville” became a signature piece, blending expert ventriloquism with visual illusion and musical parody. His years in Branson have made him a household name in the Ozarks—and a natural fit for the world of radio.

So mark your calendars and pack your earbuds—The Barber Shop hits the road June 23–30, 2025.

Where will Jim be next? Tune in to find out! (or take a peek at his tour schedule for some hints!)

Branson Celebrates the Legacy of Glen Campbell – Sunday, July 13 at the Hughes Brothers Theatre

Music lovers and fans of the legendary Glen Campbell are invited to a heartwarming tribute event celebrating the life and legacy of the “Rhinestone Cowboy” himself. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM as the Hughes Brothers Theatre hosts Branson’s Tribute to Glen Campbell. This is a special one-night-only celebration honoring the country-pop icon whose music touched generations.

The evening will feature a dazzling lineup of Branson’s top entertainers, special guests, and Campbell family friends! You’ll experience performances of Glen’s greatest hits including “Gentle on My Mind,” “Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and of course, “Rhinestone Cowboy.”  The show will also include personal stories, video highlights, and heartfelt tributes reflecting on Glen’s remarkable career in music, television, and film, as well as his courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The concert lineup includes:

Debby Campbell

Jim Barber (Emcee)

Neal McCoy

Tony Orlando

The Lennon Sisters

Dino Kartsonakis

Kathy Pearman (of The Lowe Sisters)

Barbara Fairchild

Buddy Jewell

Trey Taylor

Shane Van Camp

Stevie Lee Woods

Matthew Boyce

Steve Campbell and his band Billstown

The Campbell Sisters

This special evening benefits the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Missouri Chapter and honors Glen’s incredible life, including his courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. For tickets visit HughesEntertainmentInc.com/Glen

This tribute promises not only musical excellence but a deeply emotional connection to the life of a man who inspired millions with his voice, guitar playing, and resilience.

The event will be hosted in the beautiful Hughes Brothers Theatre, which was originally known as Roy Clark’s Celebrity Theatre where Glen first performed in Branson. Whether you grew up listening to Glen Campbell or are discovering his music for the first time, this celebration is a chance to experience the spirit of an American original.

For more details and updates on the event, please visit the official event page at facebook.com/glencampbellday.

Come be part of this unforgettable night in Branson as we say, with love and admiration—“Thank you, Glen.”

Join the Fun at the 23rd Annual Junior Auxiliary Trivia Night!

Mark your calendars for an evening of excitement and community spirit at the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County’s (JATC) 23rd Annual Trivia Challenge! Set for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel in Branson, Missouri. This event promises a night filled with challenging trivia, delightful entertainment, and the opportunity to support a noble cause.

Event Highlights:

• Master of Ceremonies: Funnyman and Branson4u.com Radio Host Jim Barber will guide us through the evening’s festivities.
• Musical Entertainment: Enjoy live music by the super-talented Mike Cathcart, adding a melodic touch to the night.
• Trivia Competition: Teams of eight will compete across eight diverse categories, each featuring ten thought-provoking questions. Prizes await the top three teams, with the champions’ name engraved on the prestigious Trivia Winners Plaque.
• Silent Auction & Raffle: Bid on a variety of items generously donated by local businesses and community members. Past auctions have featured enticing prizes such as dining experiences, vacation stays, and exclusive memorabilia.

All proceeds from the evening directly benefit JATC’s numerous community projects aimed at enhancing the lives of children in Taney County. These initiatives include:

• Celebrate Reading: Distributing books to young readers and hosting engaging events to foster a love for literature.
• Christmas Assistance: Providing gifts and essentials to children during the holiday season, ensuring every child experiences the joy of Christmas.
• Scholarships: Awarding $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools, supporting their pursuit of higher education.
• STEAMpunk Academy: Introducing children to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through interactive and fun activities.
• Tender Critters: Supplying new stuffed animals to children in emergency situations, offering comfort during stressful times.

These projects, among others, reflect JATC’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of Taney County’s youth.

Get Involved:

Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or simply looking to support a worthy cause, there’s a place for you at this event. Table reservations are open through March 24, 2025, accommodating both full teams and individual participants. To reserve your spot or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Trivia Challenge page on JATC’s website: jatcmo.org

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and philanthropy as we come together to support the children of Taney County. Your participation helps JATC continue its mission of “Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, Changing Lives.”